New Cumberland Park | Nashville Community

Nashville’s new Cumberland Park opened earlier this month, only to close a short time later.

The 6.5-acre park, which sits on the East Bank between the Shelby Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and Koren War Veterans Memorial Bridge, features walking trails, a wading pool, picnic areas, an amphitheater with seating for over 1,000, oversize sandboxes and an abundance of green space. There is direct access to the Shelby Avenue bridge by way of a new elevator and staircase.

The park is both child and adult-friendly, with families and other visitors giving their stamp of approval on its opening day. For its younger visitors, the park boasts an oversize slide, rock wall, and interactive water splash pad. (We aren’t young but those sound fun to us, too!) The adults can enjoy nostalgic views of the downtown skyline and live entertainment while their kids play.

The project which totaled $9.5 million, is currently in the first phase of a larger Riverfront Revitalization Plan, which city officials hope will both revitalize the riverfront and bring more families and tourists to the area. Plans yet to come include renovating the nearby Bridge Building and developing The Lawn, an open space available for recreation and events. This is the first time Nashville’s waterfront has seen development in 29 years. The city’s Riverfront Park, on the West Bank, opened in 1983.

As exciting as the new park’s opening was, it was forced to close down shortly after its grand opening after a child was injured whilst playing. The child, a nine-year-old boy, was hurt after loose tile on the base of the park’s Cloud Bridge came loose. While he only had minor injuries to his thumb, officials did close the park and send in workers to check all of the slate tiles at the park to make sure there are no other loose tiles. A third party was expected to follow the workers and check as well.

The park is expected to reopen, safer than ever, in a matter of days. Be sure to visit this new, fun addition to Nashville, a great place to spend a hot afternoon in the coming summer months!